This list rates only the impact something had on me as an individual reader, not necessarily reflecting the impact on fantasy field in general, critical acceptance, etc. Plus I only put series here if I read them COMPLETELY, so many series would be absent.

2 Comments:

Anonymous said...

Every reader of SF/Fantasy has a favorite book or series they feel should be on one of your lists somewhere and, certainly, a case might be made for each. While each and every book and author presented deserves their place it astounds that The Goremenghast Trilogy by Mervyn Peake does not appear on any.Peake was a master of the English language on a par with Tolkein, Dunsany, Lewis, and Lovecraft. Having read many of the novels appearing on your lists, not one author surpasses Peake's ability to craft characters, scenery, and story.What makes The Goremenghast Trilogy even more appealing is that the series was never finished. It was originally intended to be seven books but Peake died before he was able to write the fourth novel. One is left "hanging" at the end of the third book and might feel cheated that the story was not finished. Or, like me, find that the rest of the story and its end are left to my imagination.The Goremenghast Trilogy is not an easy read and it may take some readers many attempts to complete. If one does make the effort the reward is tremendous. I have recommended the series to friends and family and those that finish have thanked me for turning them on to a great piece of literary art.

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